National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The insecurity situation in Zamfara State has taken a turn for the worse, as bandits abducted passengers and set their vehicle ablaze in Shinkafi Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred at Kwanar Jalab village in Zungeru Ward, has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many travelers suspending their journeys to the area due to uncertainty.
According to eyewitnesses, the bandits abducted all the passengers on board the vehicle, estimated to be around 10, including the driver, before setting the car ablaze. This brazen attack has raised concerns about the escalating violence in the region, with many calling on the government to take urgent action to address the situation.
The attack is believed to be linked to a threat by notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, to launch attacks in response to the arrest of his relatives. Turji had vowed to target Zurmi and Shinkafi in Zamfara State, as well as Isa Local Government in Sokoto State, by January 1st if his relatives were not released.
Former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has urged the federal government to take Turji’s threat seriously and take proactive measures to protect the people from attacks. “I believe the government is aware of his threat, they should therefore prepare for him. They should not let him make good of his threat,” Bafarawa said.
The military has, however, described Turji as a “dead man walking,” stating that he will soon meet the same fate as other terrorist leaders who have been eliminated. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen. Buba, said that the troops have sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves, hideouts, and strongholds, and will not hesitate to defend the country from terror attacks with overwhelming military force.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents, with many calling for increased security presence in the area. “We are living in fear, we don’t know what will happen next,” said a resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We urge the government to do something to protect us from these bandits.”
The abduction and burning of the vehicle is the latest in a series of attacks in the region, which has been plagued by banditry and terrorism in recent years. The government has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with many calling for a more robust response to the security challenges facing the country.
